Even Being Falsely Accused Proves Purposeful

A couple of years ago, I endured a season of great difficulty. Someone I loved dearly was falsely accused. Allegations insulted his integrity. I KNEW the TRUTH first hand, but watched powerlessly as contentious men attacked his character.

Attack me...is one thing...but to watch you attack someone I love is quite another. At times I was so angry I wanted to retaliate. What I witnessed was the evil intent of men!

But, through the process God taught many lessons and redeemed and restored the situation, kinda like he did Joseph.

As I reflect on Joseph's sufferings (thrown into a hole, sold into slavery, falsely accused, wrongfully put into prison) I can't help but stand in awe of his response found in Genesis 50:19-20:

"Don't be afraid. Am I in the place of God? You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives." (NIV)
Joseph's response makes me examine my own: Am I that abandoned to God's greater purposes? Do I hold grudges? Do I freely forgive people and their evil intentions?  Do I see all my life's struggles as pointing to something far greater than the immediate struggle itself? Even more, am I willing to endure tests that God allows to prepare and position me for the promises He's made?

I find great encouragement from the life of Joseph. His life certainly wasn't easy...there were times I'm sure he had to wonder if he missed God or messed up...but all of the struggles...all of the hardships...were part of a process that prepared and positioned Joseph to ultimately receive the promise God gave in a dream.

What is your dream? What has God promised you?

Don't be discouraged by the "holes you've been thrown in by others"...
Don't give up when men falsely accuse you because of your integrity to not give in to their enticement to sin...
When you feel like you're in a prison of no escape...God hasn't forgotten you...

"I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us." (Romans 8:18, NIV)

Friend, no matter how bleak your circumstances appear. God has not forsaken you. You are not alone! God will vindicate. He will fulfill His promises. So, don't ever give up!